Last week our church held its annual meeting. In addition to some delicious food and quality fellowship, it's also an opportunity for church leadership, committee chairs, and others facilitating a group to share with the congregation of the previous year's happenings, with a look into the future. I find these meetings interesting and helpful. Our church strives to keep the congregation informed during the year yet it is nice to hear from everyone as the new year starts.

Part of this meeting is the pastor's message to the congregation. Our current pastor shares this during the church service as his sermon. I thought it was odd the first time but since I tend to live life with my feet over the edge, I liked the idea. Two years later, only positive feedback for his willingness to think outside the box. It allows everyone to hear the pastor's goals for the coming year. Don't get me wrong, to have this as part of the meeting works too but not everyone stays, and it keeps the "meeting" after church shorter. (which is nice on a Sunday afternoon)

What does this have to do with God tapping you on the shoulder? Are you wondering if I'll get to the point? Wait no longer, here it goes. The reason I share about our annual meeting is because as our pastor shared his goals and hopes for 2016 and our church, I felt God tapping me on the shoulder. I shared a blog earlier this month that started with "God's Leading" (to read, click here), then the following Sunday, God answered prayer and tapped on my shoulder. Actually, it was more like, "Are you listening? I'm leading, will you follow?"

This is the cool thing about God, when we ask, He answers.

“Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.Matthew 7:7, 21:22; Mark 11:24 The VOICE

See, it isn't just me, it's in the Bible. An aspect of these verses some overlook, when we are asking God, He does always answer and provide what we need when it aligns with His will. Sometimes we ask for things that are not something God desires for us but instead it's our own heart's desire, with the best of intentions, pushing forward. A friend told me years ago, when I pray to ask for God's leading and discernment so I could tell the difference. I find myself asking "Is this me wanting something or is it God tapping on my shoulder?"

This is one reason I shared my post about needing prayer to determine if it's God's leading or my own. Three weeks later, God answered. The pastor, unaware of the thoughts and ideas swirling in my head, startled me. I found myself asking again, "Is this really what you want God? Am I supposed to share this written idea with someone else? Should I move forward?" Then the pastor continued and referenced his letter to the congregation detailing how he envisioned us meeting the goals. I think the direction God has been leading and preparing me fits with this passion, yet I still haven't tidied up my notes to share with someone with the authority to say, "We like the sound of this Lisa, go for it, when will it start?"

What is holding me back? I'm ashamed to say that "nothing" isn't my answer but instead my list of excuses and reasons not to move forward to even present my ideas, outweighs the quick obedience God desires. This isn't the first time I've been slow to respond, and to be honest, it's probably not the last either. I am one silly, imperfect, over-thinking, and OCD-planner of a woman. But then again, God designed me so He already knows my weaknesses, thankfully He uses these imperfections to grow me, draw me closer to Him, and stretch myself to limits I might not dream of.

Instead of dreaming, it's time to transition them into goals. Goals I think that align with our pastor's message of hope, growth, and visible. I try to be a hopeful and hope-filled person. I have the mind and heart of a life-long-learner. Due to recent events over the past year and a half, or so, it is a challenge to be visible. To write the blog is safe. I write from the comfort of my home, Dunkin Donuts, and other "safe" spots. I struggled to determine what my other spots are so you didn't have an eternal list of writing spots but then it clicked, they all have a common theme...they are safe!

Hmm...a lot to think about, if God is tapping me on the shoulder to step out and share, then why do I doubt His faithfulness to provide, protect, inspire, and motivate? I shouldn't since the inspiration and motivation are never ending. When I weigh the items on the scale, one side might have more stacked on it yet the weight is much less, does this make sense to you? So I have some work to do, stay tuned and hopefully the next time I share, you'll learn the "what" driving these blogs, for good, bad, or indifferent.

When God taps you on the shoulder, how do you respond?Share an instant when you did, or maybe one when you didn't?How did it change the way you follow God's leading in the future?

Available on Amazon.comW﻿here's Heidi? One Sister's Journey *When the Waves Subside: There is Hope *Encourage Others: One Day at a TimeNo More Pain: I Can Fly *YOU are a Rainbow *Goal Setting for a Renewed You*Also available on Kindle*

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